The Disadvantages Of Installing A Chicken Wire Fence To Save Money

There are many reasons why someone may install a chicken wire fence in their yard. While it can be useful for containing chickens if you have them and is commonly used to enclose chicken coops, it can also be installed to surround a garden or backyard. Additionally, it can keep certain animals out, at least to some extent, but is more suited to containing adult chickens inside a specific area. It can also be used as a trellis for growing plants or as a tree guard. For the most part, chicken wire is fairly easy to install, and may be worth considering if you're looking for the most affordable fencing ideas to enclose your yard. 

Despite the apparent advantages, however, chicken wire has its drawbacks. Whether its purpose is for a chicken coop, gardening, or something else entirely, chicken wire lacks durability and longevity. Additionally, while chicken wire can deter deer from destroying your garden and offer some other protections, it only partially protects against pests and animals.

Chicken wire lacks durability, and while it may function well at first, it won't last nearly as long as other fencing options. Despite being made from galvanized steel and protected by a zinc oxide coating, it will start to rust sooner than you might expect, potentially in as little as two to four years. With a lot of moisture or a cold winter, the material will deteriorate, and once it does, it will also begin to break and shake loose. It may even become dangerous once wires start jutting out. It could lead to slips and falls and could be a hazard to kids and pets who are near it. Although fairly easy, installing chicken wire can also be difficult in some ways, since it can easily get tangled. 

Another major problem with chicken wire is that it doesn't work perfectly for keeping critters out of the yard. Many animals can stick a paw through the fencing or get through the large gaps and the wire can be bentl. It's unlikely to keep raccoons and rodents out nearly as well as alternative fencing options. Baby chickens may escape through the gaps too. While it offers some protection to chickens, a garden, or a backyard, its use is very limited.